COMPARISON · HUMANOIDS
Unitree G1 vs Tesla Optimus: which one to choose in 2026?
By Robot Distribution editorial teamUpdated 5 min read
IN BRIEF
Choose the Unitree G1 if you need a humanoid now: it is available in Europe from 14,290 € excl. VAT and suits research, teaching and demonstrations. Tesla Optimus is announced, not orderable, and Tesla publishes no technical sheet. Follow Optimus for the longer term; start a project today with the G1 or another available humanoid.
At a glance
The Unitree G1 is a compact humanoid of 132 cm built for research, education and development. Tesla Optimus is a full-size, general-purpose humanoid that Tesla develops for repetitive or unsafe tasks in factories and warehouses. The table compares what each manufacturer has made public.
| Unitree G1 | Tesla Optimus | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 132 cm | About 173 cm (announced target) |
| Weight | About 35 kg with battery | 57 kg (announced target) |
| Degrees of freedom | 23 (G1), 23 to 43 (G1 EDU) | — (11 per hand announced for Gen 2) |
| Payload | About 2 kg per arm (G1), about 3 kg (G1 EDU) | 20 kg (announced target) |
| Runtime | About 2 h | — |
| Walking speed | — | — |
| Sensors | Depth camera and 3D LiDAR | Tactile sensors on all fingers, force/torque sensing in the feet (Gen 2) |
| Folded size | 690 × 450 × 300 mm | — |
| Status in Europe | Available | Announced, not orderable |
A dash means the figure is not published, or is reported by the press without confirmation from the manufacturer. Optimus figures are targets Tesla has announced, not measured specifications of a product on sale.
Availability in Europe and status
The Unitree G1 is in production and can be ordered through Robot Distribution, with delivery, commissioning and support in Europe.
Tesla Optimus is announced. Tesla reported early production on a line in Fremont in October 2026 and plans deliveries to other companies from around the end of 2027. There is no external sale, no price and no official technical sheet. Optimus cannot be ordered in Europe today; Robot Distribution can keep you informed when Tesla opens sales.
Strengths of each robot
Unitree G1:
- Available now, with a published technical sheet and a public price.
- Compact and light: about 35 kg, and it folds to 690 × 450 × 300 mm for transport.
- Depth camera and 3D LiDAR, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
- An EDU version with up to 43 degrees of freedom and an optional force-controlled three-finger hand for development work.
- Quick-release battery and over-the-air software updates.
Tesla Optimus:
- Full human size, with an announced target payload of 20 kg.
- Hands with 11 degrees of freedom and tactile sensors on all fingers (Gen 2 figures).
- Force/torque sensing and articulated toe sections in the feet.
- Designed by Tesla for repetitive or unsafe tasks on manufacturing lines and in logistics.
Which use case suits which robot
- Research labs and universities: the G1, which you can program, test and publish results with today.
- Teaching and training in robotics and AI: the G1, for its size, weight and price.
- Trade shows, demonstrations and events: the G1, which travels folded.
- Handling loads on a production line: the task Tesla targets with Optimus, but it is not available. For a project this year, look at an available full-size humanoid or at a cobot.
The two robots do not compete for the same purchase in 2026. The real choice is between starting now with an available humanoid and waiting for Optimus without a date or price for Europe.
Price
The Unitree G1 is available from 14,290 € excl. VAT. The final price depends on the version (G1 or G1 EDU), options and services, and is confirmed in a written quote.
Tesla has not published a price for Optimus and does not sell it to outside companies. Any figure you may read is an estimate, not an offer.
Buying, renting or RaaS, and alternatives available now
Robot Distribution sells the Unitree G1 outright, rents it for events and offers it as a monthly subscription (RaaS) including maintenance. Every order starts with a written quote that sets out delivery, commissioning, training and warranty.
If you need a humanoid now, other models are available in the same family:
- Unitree R1: a smaller entry-level humanoid of 123 cm.
- AGIBOT X2 Ultra: 131 cm, 31 degrees of freedom, built for reception and guided tours.
- Unitree H2: a full-size humanoid of 182 cm with 31 degrees of freedom.
- AGIBOT A3: a full-size humanoid of 173 cm with 31 degrees of freedom.
Sources
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